This is why you need to lace up your running shoes now and start working on your running skills. With several new courses this year, the Chicago Cyclocross Cup may be throwing a bit more running at us then previous years. You don't want to find out race day that the most difficult section of the course is on foot, so make running an integral part of your training this year.
In my opinion, working running drills into your 'cross routine will make you not only faster on foot, but also on the bike. The high intensity needed to hoof it up the run ups balances nicely with the high intensity work outs required to be competetive in 'cross. Running also has the added benefit of helping to correct some of the muscle imbalance that most cyclists are prone to by building the hamstrings. Plus at this point in the season, long endurance rides are no longer necessary. And the short intense efforts required for 'cross are a nice break from the monotony of grinding out long miles on the road.
So get out to your favorite park this weekend, preferably one with a run-up of some sort or even a sand volleyball pit and spend some time on your feet. These are the last crucial weeks before the longest and most most competetive 'cross season we have ever had in the Chicago area. Time spent running now will pay dividends in the upcoming weeks as you are able to trot past those who didn't feel the need to cross train.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Words Of Wisdom
"The goal is to look back and not say that I shoulda, coulda, woulda and know that I left it all on the line everyday"-Christian Vande Velde
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
'Cross Practice Thursday Night
As half of the team prepares for the upcoming races at Downers, the other half have started preparing for the upcoming 'cross season which kicks off on September 21st at Jackson Park. In order to train and prepare our bodies for the rigors of cyclocross we have begun training at the Dan Ryan Woods . We will be starting practice around 6:15 or so and spent a good portion of Tuesday evening laying out the course.
Even without the barriers, the course can be quite a challenge. 100 meters off the start line you find yourself working through a chicane of trees followed by a nice power section along the tree line. We will eventually break this section up and include a single if not double set of barriers. After the power section and a quick dismount over a parking barrier, there is about 300 meters of asphalt with another transition back onto grass. At this point you power through the grass and get onto pavement for 75 meters before diving back into the grass and a power section before the hill. For now we are only using half of the hill, so only about 35 feet of climbing after which you dive back downhill for the last power section before the last chicane section and back into the start finish chute. The total distance for each lap is about a kilometer, if not a tad bit longer.
Jim and I sprayed the course to mark the route to follow. After a few weeks last year we started to have a nice groove going through the grass. The grass was a bit long in places, so hopefully the FPD can keep the grass nice and short like they did for us last year. Everyone is encouraged to join us for practices, and it looks like we will be holding at least two sessions per week. For more info on our practices or anything else 'cross related you can also check out the new 'Cross Forum put together by Ben.
Even without the barriers, the course can be quite a challenge. 100 meters off the start line you find yourself working through a chicane of trees followed by a nice power section along the tree line. We will eventually break this section up and include a single if not double set of barriers. After the power section and a quick dismount over a parking barrier, there is about 300 meters of asphalt with another transition back onto grass. At this point you power through the grass and get onto pavement for 75 meters before diving back into the grass and a power section before the hill. For now we are only using half of the hill, so only about 35 feet of climbing after which you dive back downhill for the last power section before the last chicane section and back into the start finish chute. The total distance for each lap is about a kilometer, if not a tad bit longer.
Jim and I sprayed the course to mark the route to follow. After a few weeks last year we started to have a nice groove going through the grass. The grass was a bit long in places, so hopefully the FPD can keep the grass nice and short like they did for us last year. Everyone is encouraged to join us for practices, and it looks like we will be holding at least two sessions per week. For more info on our practices or anything else 'cross related you can also check out the new 'Cross Forum put together by Ben.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
'Cross Practice Tonight
We will be out at the Dan Ryan Woods tonight around 6:15 for the first cross practice of the season. We won't have the barriers out tonight, but will have them out very soon.
Chicago Cyclocross Google Forum
Ben has come through again for us cyclocross fans here in the Chicago Area. After speaking with like minded racers he has created the Chicago Cyclocross Group on Google. It is a free and public forum so we encourage everyone to join, or at least use it as a reference to everything 'cross related.
BBVP Becomes Presenting Sponsor at Oakbrook
We are excited to announce that we have become the presenting sponsor of the Illinois State Championships Road Race on Saturday August 23rd. Through the commitment of our sponsors Beverly Bike and Vee Pak, Inc., BBVP has been able to help the sport of cycling in Illinois grow and prosper by supporting major races during the 2008 season.
For a full schedule of the days events check out the races homepage here
For a full schedule of the days events check out the races homepage here
Sunday, August 3, 2008
CLARK'S DAY
Saturday at Elk Grove started out with Clark's strategies seeing as how he was going to be in all 3 cat 5 races. After calming Clark down and telling him that the race would be too fast for a single man break, instead in the first race he does a three man break. Knowing how Clark likes to push a big gear and not spin he still ended up an impressive 4th. In the second cat 5 race it looked like Jorge was in great position for the sprint before two riders met in front of him going down with him going down on top of them. Luckily their bodies cushioned Jorge's fall. Clark ended up 24th after dropping down to his 11 too soon. On the third race, after Jorge had to recover from a crash (thanks goes to Sram in the pit) and switch numbers, again Clark felt like he had to pull the field with one lap left. With enough energy left Clark, who this time did not dump his cassette all at the same time, sprinted to the line taking 3rd. Jorge and Joe who were mid pack the whole way, ended up 13th and 16th. Lessons learned- When you are in the 11 and not spinning it makes for a good picture but not speed. And secondly, if you are in back to back races, instead of switching numbers, place one number on top of the other. Then all you have to do is tear off the top and you are ready to go again.
The Cat 4 race was way sketchy. Before the race with everybody lined up the field was asked to move to one side to make way for the pace car to get through. This squeezed the field to half the area and of course riders in the back attempted to take advantage of this by following the car to the front. It was nice that this was noticed by one of the officials who told those riders to go to the back, but they really didn't. This squeezed the field even tighter for the start. With the surges and resultant slowing down thereafter and the turns it was a tight pack all the way to the end. Brakes were locking up all over the place sending bicycle sideways. This was evident after one of the leaders got pinched on the last lap, which by itself had three seperate crashes. (If anybody can give me input, why was the motorcycle official attempting to make his way through the pack midway through the race?). All in all it was smart to stay way out in front or way in the back.
The Cat 4 race was way sketchy. Before the race with everybody lined up the field was asked to move to one side to make way for the pace car to get through. This squeezed the field to half the area and of course riders in the back attempted to take advantage of this by following the car to the front. It was nice that this was noticed by one of the officials who told those riders to go to the back, but they really didn't. This squeezed the field even tighter for the start. With the surges and resultant slowing down thereafter and the turns it was a tight pack all the way to the end. Brakes were locking up all over the place sending bicycle sideways. This was evident after one of the leaders got pinched on the last lap, which by itself had three seperate crashes. (If anybody can give me input, why was the motorcycle official attempting to make his way through the pack midway through the race?). All in all it was smart to stay way out in front or way in the back.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Willow Springs TT Set for August 24th
The Willow Springs Stage for the HomeMade Pizza Co. Chicago Time Trail Series will be run on August 24th starting at 9 am.
The course is set almost entirely within Forest Preserve property and therefore provides the most scenic race you will do this year. Right out of the start you will hit the 6% 1.5K climb that will determine the KoM for the day. On the back side of the climb riders can hit 40mph on the straight downhill run towards 107th St. Mix in some brand new pavement and a few rolling sections and this course will bring out the best in everyone.
Race day registration opens at 7:00 am and closes at 9:30, with the first rider going of at 9:00 sharp. Once again, the earlier you register, the earlier you race!
For more info check out the Series Homepage
or drop us a line.
The course is set almost entirely within Forest Preserve property and therefore provides the most scenic race you will do this year. Right out of the start you will hit the 6% 1.5K climb that will determine the KoM for the day. On the back side of the climb riders can hit 40mph on the straight downhill run towards 107th St. Mix in some brand new pavement and a few rolling sections and this course will bring out the best in everyone.
Race day registration opens at 7:00 am and closes at 9:30, with the first rider going of at 9:00 sharp. Once again, the earlier you register, the earlier you race!
For more info check out the Series Homepage
or drop us a line.
Major Announcement Coming Soon!
Check back soon as a major announcement will be coming regarding the team and its involvement in the sport of cycling!
Monday, July 28, 2008
An important message from El Presidente: AKA: El Capitan
I would like to take a moment to reflect on our team and how far we have come. Last year around this time the team was just a thought. We did not have enough riders to field a team. Tony and I were brainstorming with the Beverly Bike shop to come with team structure and basic mechanics of the team. Damon then stepped up and it started shaping up nicely. I remembered racing against Paul Morrison and asking him if he would be interested in joining the team. As it turned out, he also represented VeePak Inc. which turned out to be the co-sponsor of the team. We started getting to work and making connections and soon we had Spinergy, SRAM, and of course Cannondale.
We were on our way and to get things started we kicked off our season with a cyclocross training ride. It was the coldest day of the year negative 10 degrees below zero but we all showed up to participate and promote it which gave us the first sign that our team was tight.
The next big race was the Hillsboro Roubaix. Once again the team came together and headed down state to kick off our first race together. The team was unified and becoming stronger. Our team was officially baptized by finishing a challenging course and realizing the amount of training that still needed to be accomplished.
As a team we have had some highlighted moments. Who can remember my surprise finish at Vernon Hills? How about Joe’s podium finish for coming in fourth at the ABR Crit Nationals in Winfield and Sergio’s 6th place finish just barely missing the podium. Tony’s 3rd place finish at Olympia Fields and his 1st place win at Bensenville. We all have seen Jorge’s consistent hard work. Damon has provided a lot of information about the team on his insightful blog and also providing the team to host a leg of the Chicago Time Trial series. Danny’s excellent mechanic skills and his positive attitude. Paul feeling “ready to race again”. Rich and Fat Tony’s return to the team and Jim’s steady riding. How about Clark’s half lap lead at Olympia Fields and then his crash due to a screw missing from his shoe. We have our team mechanic Clark, and you work for the Bike shop. And our newest member Bob our time trial expert. These are just a few of our moments, there are still more to come.
I would personally like to thank every member of our team that has made this season successful so far. I sincerely appreciate your hard work and training, your loyalty and devotion and the sacrifices you and your families make. It has not gone unnoticed. And remember You Guys are the team and I am proud to ride, train and race with all of you. Let’s start getting ready for CYCLOCROSS.
We were on our way and to get things started we kicked off our season with a cyclocross training ride. It was the coldest day of the year negative 10 degrees below zero but we all showed up to participate and promote it which gave us the first sign that our team was tight.
The next big race was the Hillsboro Roubaix. Once again the team came together and headed down state to kick off our first race together. The team was unified and becoming stronger. Our team was officially baptized by finishing a challenging course and realizing the amount of training that still needed to be accomplished.
As a team we have had some highlighted moments. Who can remember my surprise finish at Vernon Hills? How about Joe’s podium finish for coming in fourth at the ABR Crit Nationals in Winfield and Sergio’s 6th place finish just barely missing the podium. Tony’s 3rd place finish at Olympia Fields and his 1st place win at Bensenville. We all have seen Jorge’s consistent hard work. Damon has provided a lot of information about the team on his insightful blog and also providing the team to host a leg of the Chicago Time Trial series. Danny’s excellent mechanic skills and his positive attitude. Paul feeling “ready to race again”. Rich and Fat Tony’s return to the team and Jim’s steady riding. How about Clark’s half lap lead at Olympia Fields and then his crash due to a screw missing from his shoe. We have our team mechanic Clark, and you work for the Bike shop. And our newest member Bob our time trial expert. These are just a few of our moments, there are still more to come.
I would personally like to thank every member of our team that has made this season successful so far. I sincerely appreciate your hard work and training, your loyalty and devotion and the sacrifices you and your families make. It has not gone unnoticed. And remember You Guys are the team and I am proud to ride, train and race with all of you. Let’s start getting ready for CYCLOCROSS.
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